How to Prevent Water Damage to Your Home

Because damage caused by moisture can be extensive and difficult to repair, homeowners often go to special lengths to prevent it from happening in the first place.

If water damage does occur, fast action is paramount to minimize permanent problems with the structure and interior of your home.

Structural Soundness

Excess moisture from rain or snow can cause water damage to a home. Before purchasing a house, you’ll want to be sure the structure is sound and not susceptible to leaks.

If the ground around your home becomes saturated with rainwater or runoff, it could find a way into the house through cracks and leaks in the foundation. Faulty gutters could contribute to issues with wetness. Gutters are responsible for collecting precipitation and routing it away from a home’s foundation. When gutters are clogged, rainwater and melted snow may not be diverted correctly and excess moisture could accumulate around the foundation.

The roof is another area where moisture can enter a home. Damaged or missing shingles are a common leak point. Sealing issues around chimneys and roof vents can also lead to leakage. You could even find damage from leaks around doors and windows that are not sealed properly.

Termite Trouble

A termite infestation can lead to water damage. As termites eat through wood in flooring and walls, the wood left behind could cause leakage from precipitation. Leaving termite-damaged wood in place without repairing it could lead to wetness issues.

Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems can cause significant water damage in a home. Leaking pipes can lead to small and major messes, depending on the size of the leaks and the amount of water running through the pipes. If plumbing problems occur and no one notices the issue immediately, catastrophic damage could occur. Even a small leak could cause dampness with far-reaching effects. Aside from unsightly water marks on your walls or ceilings, mold could develop.

Any amount of wetness in the home can lead to the development of mold and mildew. Mold may develop in areas where you cannot see and detect it immediately, which can enable it to spread. Mold growing under floors and behind walls can be difficult to remove. Mold also produces spores that release into the air. These spores can cause illness such as upper respiratory symptoms, wheezing, and even pneumonitis. Children can be especially susceptible to health problems from mold.

If you notice any water damage in your home, analyze the severity to determine whether you need professional assistance. Professionals can assist you with cleanup services, including assessing your home for mold.